Brothers serve in Marines, follow similar career paths

When reflecting on his two sons' military involvement, John Horne of Lexington admits he is "super proud" of their service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

BY DARRICK IGNASIAKThe Dispatch

When reflecting on his two sons' military involvement, John Horne of Lexington admits he is "super proud" of their service in the U.S. Marine Corps.Adam Horne, 31, and Alex Horne, 26, the sons of John and Lisa Horne, have chosen similar career paths as pilots in the military. Adam, a captain who has been in the Marines for 12 years, is a helicopter pilot on his third deployment in Afghanistan. Alex, a first lieutenant who has been in the Marines for eight years, is training to become an F-18 pilot."It's not a job that everybody can do," the father said.Adam, a graduate of Lexington Senior High School, and Alex, a graduate of R.J. Reynolds High School (his mother was an educator in Forsyth County), both played football for the U.S. Navy. Adam graduated from the Naval Academy in 2005 and Alex in 2009."My brother kind of blazed the trail," Alex said of his decision to pursue a career in the military. "Service has always been a big part of what my parents taught me, and regular college life didn't seem as appealing to me."Adam wrote in an email to The Dispatch while serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, this past week that he joined the military with the desire to join the legacy of the veterans around him. "In Lexington, I had the honor to know many veterans and was awed by their sacrifices and patriotism," Adam wrote. "I wanted to be a part of that. Lexington is rich in role models, and most are veterans."Adam's first deployment was to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2009. His second deployment was in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2010, and he arrived for his third deployment in July 2012. He has served in Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China and Singapore."Working with coalition forces from across the globe is enjoyable," Adam said. "As helicopter pilots, we work and plan with units from across southern Afghanistan. The greatest honor is to serve with the U.S. Marines on each side of me."Adam said "it's the ultimate bond" for him and his brother to serve in the military at the same time. He explained "having so much in common with your brother is a blessing."The biggest challenge for Adam is being away from his family. "I am lucky to have a wife who is far stronger than I am," he said. "She raises my son and allows me to stay focused on the task at hand here in Afghanistan.Alex has yet to have a deployment. He is set to be an instructor for a flight school with the Marines."It's just a great opportunity," Alex said. "… I have told people I love my job. … They really invest in us."Alex was a defensive end and Adam a linebacker for the Navy. They did not play together as the younger Horne joined the team the year after his brother played his last season for the Navy."We are very close," Alex said of the relationship between him and his brother. "… We have our joking rivalry between our two different communities, between the jet and helicopter communities. He is a big example of a brother and taught me skills to be successful."Alex is married to wife Margaret, and they have a 10-month-old girl, Caroline. Adam is married to wife Leigh Anne, and they have a 14-month-old son, Gunner.Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 217, or at darrick.ignasiak@the-dispatch.com.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.